Amid increasing protests from students of Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) has taken a massive decision about the forthcoming job recruitment exams. The commission declared that the preliminary examination for PCS would now be held in a single shift. However, this declaration did not appease the ire of the students as they also demanded that the examinations for Review Officers and Assistant Review Officers be held in one shift.
Background of the Protests
Protests broke out after the UPPSC had scheduled the RO/ARO exams on two days with multiple shifts. The Students feared that the likelihood of paper leakage was high if the exams were to be held over various dates and shifts and wanted the exams for "one shift, one day" to avoid any such situation at the examination centers.
The UPPSC had earlier defended the move to hold exams in multiple shifts by saying it would benefit applicants and help maintain the sanctity of the exam. When asked whether only the designated educational institutions with no questions raised against them in the past would be used as centers, a spokesperson said only those would be used to avoid any scope for malpractice.
Students' Response
However, the protester's students have remained adamant. According to them unless the demands related to the RO/ARO exams are met, the mere conduct of the PCS exam in one shift is not enough. The protesters have accused the government of trying to dislodge the movement and said they will not budge until an official notification states that both exams will be held in one shift.
We want both examinations in a single shift. Why are you establishing a committee? They want the protesters to go away," said one of the protesters, and another added, "If you can conduct elections all over the country, you must be able to examine 10 lakh students in a single day."
Political Context
The protests come at a time when polls for nine assembly constituencies in Uttar Pradesh are scheduled on November 20. This has given the protests a political color. Opposition leaders, including Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, were quick to discredit the state government. For them, alleged callousness on the part of the government towards student concerns presents an even graver issue of governance and efficiency.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya says the demands of students have to be taken on board while appealing for officials to balance preparation with students instead of making them protest for long.
Current Scenario
With tensions still running high, it is clear that the students are bent on getting their grievances, however, will be met in full. It was a step forward for many in this case as the decision by the UPPSC seems unlikely to continue protests over grievances about all aspects if their demands are only partially met with the call to end protests. The ongoing demonstrations reflect deep-seated frustrations among youth regarding employment opportunities and transparency in recruitment processes. As political pressures mount ahead of by-polls, it remains crucial for authorities to engage constructively with student concerns rather than resorting to temporary measures.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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